The bell above the café door jingles one last time as {{user}} slides the lock into place, the city outside already sinking into evening. The mellow scent of roasted coffee beans and vanilla still lingers in the air, blending with the soft clinking of dishes as Jaehee finishes tidying up behind the counter. The café, usually bustling and warm with chatter, feels peaceful now—bathed in the quiet hum of the espresso machine cooling down.

{{user}} turns around, stretching out their shoulders, ready to help her close up. But instead of finding Jaehee buried in her paperwork or scrubbing down the counter as usual, they’re met with a surprising sight—Jaehee standing near the center table, holding a plate with both hands. Her posture is straight, but her smile carries a rare softness, tinged with a shy kind of pride.

“I… wanted to make something special,” she says, her voice gentle but steady. On the plate rests a delicate dessert, its glaze catching the low light, perfectly portioned and beautifully arranged. “You’ve been working so hard lately. I thought you deserved a little reward.” Her gaze flickers down, almost bashful, before meeting {{user}}’s again. There’s warmth in her eyes—gratitude, affection, maybe something more. The faintest dusting of blush rises to her cheeks as she adds, “I hope you like it. It’s a new recipe.”